ON the first day that waste and recycling centres in Oxford have reopened after lockdown, drivers are queuing just to get inside in Oxford.

Oxford Mail reader Hermione Duncan sent in this picture of cars lined up waiting to get into Redbridge waste recycling centre on Old Abingdon Road.

That is despite the fact the council urged people not to all come at once today and cause queues and unnecessary crowding.

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Ms Duncan, who lives nearby, said: "I was walking by and it startled me because the whole left side of the road was coned off, and a sign with 'go' and 'stop' and a number of martials including one questioning people when they drive in so cars can only go in one by one. 

"They are telling people to only go if they have waste which they cannot store at home, and as they have a martial there on arrival, I'm assuming they are turning people away if they think their waste isn't essential to be dumped."

All seven household waste recycling centres reopened today and are going to operate with reduced opening hours (8am-4pm).

Oxfordshire County Council said the centres would open seven days a week provided they are can operate safely and are not overwhelmed.

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A post on social media by Oxfordshire County Council urged people not to arrive before 8am as 'staff will get stuck in the queue and won't be able to open'.

It added to avoid queuing, people were advised wait for a few more days before visiting.

It also advised only to visit if the trip was essential.

When the Oxford Mail shared the council's announcement on Facebook yesterday, Maria Kigozi commented: "Needed so badly," and Sarah Norton added: "YES, just need a charity shop next."

However Lisa Whiting reminded people: "Please when you’re using them be careful not to block the roads for the keyworkers that need to do their jobs!!!!"